In this paper we present the first results of a series of laboratory experiments carried out in a large experimental apparatus, aimed at reproducing a typical lagoonal environment subject to tidal forcings. We observed the growth and development of a tidal network and analyzed its most relevant features, taking into account the role played by the characteristics of the tidal forcings in driving the development of channelized patterns. Such experiments were designed in order to improve our understanding of the main processes responsible for channel network ontogeny and evolution. Mathematical and theoretical analyses of network configurations were also carried out through the use of simplified and complete morphodynamic models. In particular, we analyzed the evolution in time of the morphometric characteristics of the developed networks, and studied the hydrodynamics and sediment transport processes related to different channel configurations. The evolution of channel cross-sectional areas, width-to-depth ratios, and unchanneled flow lengths shows that relevant features of actual tidal networks are reproduced by the tidal patterns developed within our laboratory experiments.

Morphological characteristics of laboratory generated tidal networks

D'ALPAOS, ANDREA;LANZONI, STEFANO
2007

Abstract

In this paper we present the first results of a series of laboratory experiments carried out in a large experimental apparatus, aimed at reproducing a typical lagoonal environment subject to tidal forcings. We observed the growth and development of a tidal network and analyzed its most relevant features, taking into account the role played by the characteristics of the tidal forcings in driving the development of channelized patterns. Such experiments were designed in order to improve our understanding of the main processes responsible for channel network ontogeny and evolution. Mathematical and theoretical analyses of network configurations were also carried out through the use of simplified and complete morphodynamic models. In particular, we analyzed the evolution in time of the morphometric characteristics of the developed networks, and studied the hydrodynamics and sediment transport processes related to different channel configurations. The evolution of channel cross-sectional areas, width-to-depth ratios, and unchanneled flow lengths shows that relevant features of actual tidal networks are reproduced by the tidal patterns developed within our laboratory experiments.
2007
River, Coastal and Estuarine Morphodynamics: RCEM 2007 - Dohmen-Janssen & Hulscher (eds).
River, Coastal and Estuarine Morphodynamics: RCEM 2007
9780415453639
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.
Pubblicazioni consigliate

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11577/2464472
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 2
  • OpenAlex ND
social impact